While Charleston’s historic streets and charming homes draw visitors year-round, August is the perfect time to venture beyond downtown and experience the area’s beautiful coastline. Experience lively surf, peaceful stretches of sand, family-friendly amenities, or secluded natural escapes all within a short drive from Charleston. Here’s a local’s guide to the best beaches to visit this summer, along with the perfect places to grab a bite after a day in the sun. 

Folly Beach

Known as the “Edge of America,” Folly Beach is where locals head for a relaxed day of sunshine and surfing. Just 25 minutes from downtown Charleston, it’s the closest beach to the city, making it an easy getaway for families, college students, and visitors alike. 

The wide sandy shoreline is perfect for swimming and surfers enjoy some of the best waves along South Carolina’s coast. Take a walk along the shoreline to search for shark teeth or watch shorebirds feeding along the water’s edge. A stroll along the pier features beautiful ocean views, and nearby vendors make it easy to rent beach chairs and umbrellas for the day. Before heading home, treat yourself to an ice cream while wandering through Folly’s colorful downtown filled with locally owned shops. 

Where to eat: After working up an appetite, stop by Taco Boy for fresh tacos and cold margaritas. If you’d prefer an ocean view, Koko’s on the Pier serves seafood and offers live music overlooking the Atlantic. For a casual meal just steps from the beach, Rita’s Seaside Grille offers indoor and outdoor seating with classic beach bites and a lively atmosphere. 

Local Tip: Get there early to avoid that “Charleston traffic” everyone talks about! The town has one road in and out, and is in peak season during spring & summer.  

Sullivan’s Island

If you’re looking for a more peaceful, out-of-a-story-book beach experience, Sullivan’s Island delivers wide stretches of sand without the crowds. The island offers a slower pace, making it ideal for long walks or enjoying a quiet afternoon with family and friends. Visitors should note that public amenities are more limited here, so bringing your own beach gear is recommended. 

The town has a small array of locally owned restaurants & boutiques in addition to gorgeous beach settings. Beyond the beach, Sullivan Island is rich in history. Fort Moultrie, a National Monument, played an important role during both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. There are incredible exhibits to explore if you are a history enthusiast. The island also shares a literary connection with Edgar Allan Poe, adding another layer of charm to this picturesque destination. 

Where to eat: Enjoy a burger at Poe’s Tavern, inspired by the author who once served on the island. Seafood lovers will enjoy the fresh coastal flavors and handcrafted cocktails at The Longboard, while Home Team BBQ is the perfect stop for award-winning barbecue in a fun, family-friendly setting. 

Local Tip: Stop by Co-Op before you hit the beach for the perfect beach sandwich. Also – if you have time to plan & book a reservation, Obstinate Daughter is one of our favorites on the Island. 

Isle of Palms

Just north of Charleston, Isle of Palms combines beautiful beaches with excellent amenities, making it one of the best destinations for families. The county park features playgrounds, picnic grills, changing rooms, outdoor showers, restrooms, and convenient chair and umbrella rentals, allowing visitors to spend an entire day comfortably by the ocean.

The island’s wide beaches are ideal for shell collecting, beach volleyball, biking, and simply soaking up the sunshine. Wildlife enthusiasts may even spot loggerhead sea turtles nesting along the shoreline. Golfers can enjoy a round on the island’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course before relaxing with an evening stroll along the beach. 

Where to eat: Start your morning at Hudson’s Market, where you’ll find fresh coffee, breakfast items, grab-and-go wraps, local snacks, and treats. For lunch or dinner with ocean views, Beachside Burgers serves classic beach favorites, tropical drinks, and refreshing beverages just steps from the sand.  

Local Tip: Check out the lineup at Windjammer – an iconic beachfront music venue & bar. Trust us, the scenery is worth it regardless of who’s on stage. 

Seabrook Island

For travelers seeking tranquility, Seabrook Island offers a secluded coastal retreat surrounded by stunning natural beauty. This private barrier island is known for its untouched maritime forests, peaceful marshes, and uncrowded beaches, creating the perfect setting for those wanting to disconnect and unwind. 

From championship golf and tennis to horseback riding along the beach (one of the few places on the East Coast where riders can experience the shoreline from horseback), outdoor adventures are endless on Seabrook Island. It is also recognized as South Carolina’s first Audubon International Green Community, reflecting its commitment to preserving the island’s unique ecosystem and abundant wildlife. 

Where to eat: After a day exploring the island, head to Salty Dog Seabrook for waterfront dining, fresh seafood, incredible sunset views, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly complements the gorgeous scenery.

Local Tip: Take a walk to Captain Sams Inlet at the northern tip of North Beach around low tide to watch local bottlenose dolphins herd fish and safely launch their bodies onto the sand to eat—a rare behavior unique to the region.

Kiawah Island

For an upscale beach experience, Kiawah Island offers 10 miles of protected beaches and remains one of the area’s most pristine destinations. Visitors can spend the day along its quiet beaches, cycling scenic paths, or teeing off at world-famous golf courses overlooking the Atlantic. 

Named after the Kiawah Indians, the island continues to preserve its natural beauty while offering world-class amenities.

Where to eat: Savor authentic Lowcountry cuisine at Jasmine Porch, where local favorites like shrimp and grits highlight the region’s flavors. For an elegant evening overlooking the ocean, The Atlantic Room at The Ocean Course specializes in seasonal seafood prepared with fresh local ingredients and stunning Atlantic views. 

Local Tip: Rent a cruiser bike from local vendors to explore the 30 miles of paved trails that snake across marsh boardwalks, transitioning seamlessly onto the beach for oceanfront cycling on the hard packed sand.

August is the perfect time to discover why Charleston’s beaches are just as memorable as its historic downtown. Whether you prefer catching waves, spending time at a secluded beach, or making family memories, Charleston’s coastline has it all.